Telangana Girl Sailors Dominate at Pondicherry International

Hyderabad, February 4, 2018. Telangana Girl Sailors Dominated at just concluded International Regatta held at Pondicherry in collaboration with the French Government under the Bonjour India Bannter.

Late 2015when Tungara Mahboobie and Lakshmi Nookarathnam of Marredpally Govt School wereselected by Naandi Foundation for sailing, they did not dream that in just 2years they will be beating the most experienced sailors at an Internationalsailing competition.

After adisappointing Nationals with positions at 29 and 31, it seemed that a largeregatta was too overwhelming and the Telangana girls lacked mental strength toperform. The girls returned to Hyderabad demoralized but within a few daysreturned with resolve to Pondicherry for an International Regatta incollaboration with the French government under the Bonjour India banner.

With a weeksintense practice in the deep swell of the Arabian Sea both Mahboobie andLakshmi redeemed themselves with some spectacular race wins beating the topIndian girls and also the Boys National Champions in a few races to clinch Goldand Silver respectively and Suddala Jeevana won the most promising sailor.

“The girlsgot a sudden rush of killer instinct to steamroll all experienced oppositioninto winning a Gold and Silver and hope this winning streak continues. I amglad that the Naavika Sailing project for the girl child has finally takenwing”, said Suheim Sheikh the Coach & President at the YachtClub of Hyderabad.

“This is myfirst International Gold Medal and I was happy to beat many sailors from Indiaespecially the experienced Chennai girls and I also won the overall Bronze.Thanks very much to Suheim Sir and The Yacht Club” said a beaming Mahboobie

“I was veryfocussed on my physical fitness and the best moment for me was when my coachcame upto my boat and congratulated me once I got the silver. My parents arealso very proud of me as this is my first medal at a regatta” said Lakshmibursting with pride adding that she got two race wins

Both Mahboobieand Lakshmi are now focussed on the Asian Championships trials set for April inChennai and despite a tight exam schedule are keeping up their fitness.

TheTelangana sailors also dominated the under 16 Green Fleet with Pradeep Bhowmikand Ravali Parandi winning the Gold and Silver and Gnapika of Udbhav School at4th beating all the French sailors.